Costume designed by Paul Brown, worn by Howard Ward in the title role in Purcell's opera King Arthur, co-production between the Royal Opera House, London and the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris. It opened at the Royal Opera House in May 1995.

S.835:1-2017 (robe)

Long yellow silk robe, collarless and open at the front. The surface of the robe has been decorated with stencilled 'celtic' inspired designs in tones of green, yellow and white. The sleeves are very long and are 'open' from the underside of the upper arm to the wrist. These 'open' sections are secured with four silk cord ties, each of which are finished with beads. The interior of the coat is lined with yellow silk and the skirt section has been stiffened with interlining (possibly canvas). There are eight pleats at each side of the skirt, these fall from the hips to the hem.
The waistline of the coat has been defined with cording at the exterior. Inside the coat is a wide cummerband style silk belt which is lined with cotton webbing. This is secured at the centre front ties, and a buckle. Between the belt and the coat there is a pleated yellow scarf, the surface of which has been painted with red ovals. Metal lanyard style clips are suspended from the proper left and proper right waist and there are metal loops attached to the proper left of the chest and the proper left hemline of the skirt.

A label in the centre back interior of the waistband reads: 'King Arthur/Howard Ward/Arthur'


S.835:2-2017 (shirt)

Cream linen [?] collarless shirt, the surface of which has been decorated with stencil geometic designs in blue paint. The shirt is gathered at the wrist and neck where it is also secured with ties.

A label at the bottom left seam reads: 'King Arthur/H.Ward/Arthur'

S.835:3-2017 (drape)

Voluminoius yellow silk sash or drape, decorated with stencilled 'celtic' inspired motifs in tones of greed, red and white. The drape has been shaped with pleating at the shoulder line and is pinned together at the other edge with a large wooden[?] medallion which has been painted gold. It is lined with slightly brighton yellow silk and has a white cotton tie at the shoulder line where is can be attached to a loop on the coat.

A label at the interior of the shoulder reads 'King Arthur/H.Ward/Arthur'

S.835:4-2017 (stole)

Heavy and long white cotton stole edged with wide bands of black crushed velvet at either end and decorated appliqued panels of yellow silk in a 'trellis' pattern. These panels are bordered with lengths of red grosgrain and are painted with blue and red crosses. It folds at the centre and there are two cotton ties at the interior.

A label at the interior reads: 'King Arthur/Howard Ward/Arthur'

S.835: 5-2017 (stock)

White cotton narrow stock. The stock ties around the neck and there is a button hole style opening at one end. It is not labelled.

S.835:6 and 7-2017 (shoes)

Pair of tan round toed leather shoes. There is 'weave' style detailing across the toes and they are open at the side.

There is no label, but the name 'Arthur' has been written on the inside heel in permenant marker.

Costume for Howard Ward at King Arthur in the title role of a Royal Opera House and Paris Théâtre du Châtelet co-production of King Arthur, May 1995.

S.835:1 to 7-2017